By Santiago Carneri
The local authorities in l鈥橝lf脿s del Pi have reinforced their commitment to beach safety with a full-scale emergency drill on Rac贸 de l鈥橝lbir beach, aimed at testing the effectiveness of the town鈥檚 surveillance and rescue systems ahead of the summer season. Organised jointly on Friday July 4 by the departments of Beaches, Public Health and Citizen Safety, the annual simulation is part of a wider effort to ensure that lifeguards and emergency responders are well-prepared to deal with a range of incidents that could arise in the coastal bathing area.
This year鈥檚 exercise began in one of the coves near the Serra Gelada Natural Park, simulating a rescue operation supported by a Red Cross lifeboat, which transported the casualty quickly to the main beach. Onshore, a medical tent was set up where CPR manoeuvres were practised, ensuring a fully integrated response from sea to land.
Around ten people took part in the drill, which was led by Alan Bernabeu Dalli, coordinator of the lifeguard and rescue services on Albir beach.
Health councillor Marisa Cort茅s and beach councillor Luis Miguel Morant attended the event to observe the operation firsthand. The session confirmed that current protocols are adequate for managing emergencies on the beach. However, technical staff will now review the details of the exercise to identify areas for improvement if necessary.
鈥淒rills like this offer valuable training for emergency personnel, so they are ready to respond swiftly to any incident that may occur,鈥 said Luis Miguel Morant.
The town hall of l鈥橝lf脿s del Pi runs these simulations every summer to ensure that its beach safety teams remain alert and responsive, covering a range of possible scenarios that may occur along the coastline.
In recent years, Albir beach has seen a number of incidents that have highlighted the importance of robust emergency response systems.
Wild boar emerged
One particularly unusual case occurred in June 2022, when a wild boar emerged from the sea and bit an elderly woman, causing alarm among beachgoers before being swiftly dealt with by the local police. Although the injuries were not serious, the event underscored the need for clear protocols to handle unexpected emergencies 鈥 from encounters with wildlife to sudden changes in weather or sea conditions.
Alongside these isolated incidents, Albir鈥檚 rescue teams have also been actively involved in both water rescues and assistance for people with reduced mobility. In August 2022, lifeguards carried out 32 assisted sea baths for individuals with functional diversity, using amphibious chairs and crutches with the support of trained staff.
More recently, the beach surveillance system has been strengthened with the addition of drones, enhancing the speed and scope of emergency response. These developments reflect a proactive approach by the town council to anticipate potential risks and ensure the safety of all beach users, particularly the most vulnerable.
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